Copper Wire Connector Manufacturer Overview
What is a telephone cable connector?
A telephone cable connector is an IDC (insulation displacement contact) splice connector used to join copper telephone wires without stripping the insulation. Common across telecom networks for cable repair, line extension, and new installation, these connectors are also known as jelly crimps, button clips, or gel-filled splices. Mintel's range covers inline, drop wire, self-stripping tap splice, and modular connector types for solid copper wire from 0.4 mm to 1.3 mm.
- IDC connection
- No wire stripping
- Copper telecom repair
- 0.4-1.3 mm wire range
Connector map
Telephone cable connector types
Mintel groups several copper telecom connector formats under the telephone cable connector range. Buyers can use this page to compare inline connectors, drop wire connectors, self-stripping tap splice connectors, and modular connectors before sending an inquiry.
- Inline connectors: U1B, U1R, and 101E for telephone drop wire and inline joint requirements.
- Drop wire connectors: UDW2 for aerial drop wire termination and outdoor repair work.
- Self-stripping tap splice connectors: 557TG for drop wire tap-off and field repair.
- Super Mini Module variants: 25-pair Splicing Module with cut-off blades for splicing, and 25-pair Test Module without cut-off blades for testing.
- Modular 10 Pair can be discussed based on customer samples, drawings, or confirmed project requirements.
- Related telecom splice categories: jelly crimp connectors and Picabond connectors are linked below as separate product families.
Inline
Inline connectors: U1B, U1R, and 101E
Inline connectors splice copper telephone wires end-to-end. U1B is the larger-gauge full-pair inline option for 0.9-1.3 mm drop wire splicing work. U1R covers smaller gauge wire from 0.5-0.9 mm for full-pair inline joints. 101E is a four-wire inline connector suitable for telephone drop wire joints from 0.4-0.7 mm, and it can also allow tap-in without interrupting service. 101E is Cat.5 compliant.
- U1B: full-pair inline connector for drop wire, 0.9-1.3 mm / 19-16 AWG.
- U1R: inline connector for smaller gauge wire, 0.5-0.9 mm / 24-19 AWG.
- 101E: four-wire inline / tap connector, 0.4-0.7 mm / 26-21 AWG, Cat.5 compliant.
Drop wire
Drop wire connectors: UDW2
UDW2 is a gel-filled inline connector for aerial drop wire termination and outdoor repair work. It is designed for copper or copper-clad steel conductors with larger insulation diameters.
- UDW2: drop wire inline connector, 0.9-1.3 mm / 19-16 AWG, gel-filled.
Tap splice
Self-stripping tap splice connectors: 557TG
557TG is a dual-pin self-stripping connector for drop wire tap-off and field repair. The connector pierces wire insulation during crimping without pre-stripping and is gel-filled for moisture resistance.
- 557TG: self-stripping tap splice connector, 0.6-1.29 mm / about 22-16 AWG, gel-filled.
Modular
Super Mini Module
Super Mini Modules are 25-pair modular connector blocks for telecom cable distribution, cross-connect, and splicing work. Based on the established MS2 modular splicing system, these modules use phosphor-bronze U-contacts for insulation displacement connection without pre-stripping. Two variants are available: the Splicing Module with stainless steel cut-off blades for conductor splicing, and the Test Module without cut-off blades for testing and inspection. The modules are dry; sealant boxes provide moisture protection for outdoor applications.
- Splicing Module: 25-pair, phosphor-bronze U-contacts with cut-off blades, for splicing applications.
- Test Module: 25-pair, phosphor-bronze U-contacts without cut-off blades, for testing and inspection.
- Wire range: 0.32-0.65 mm / 28-22 AWG, max insulation O.D. 1.65 mm / 0.065 in.
Applications
Where telephone cable connectors are used
Mintel telephone cable connectors are used across copper telecom and selected low-voltage networks.
- Copper telephone cable installation and repair: inline and drop wire connectors are used for copper telephone line jointing, fault repair, and new service connections in outside plant and premises wiring.
- Network expansion and redistribution: Super Mini Modules support higher-density distribution work at cross-connect frames and junction points.
- Drop wire tap-off and field repair: 557TG self-stripping connectors provide quick tap splice capability for aerial drop wire without pre-stripping conductors.
- Selected low-voltage alarm or control wiring: some IDC connectors in this range may be suitable when the wire size and application match the connector specification.
Factory supply
Why buyers source telephone cable connectors from Mintel
Mintel was founded in 2012, building on family manufacturing know-how since 1986. The company produces IDC splice connectors for telecom and low-voltage networks from a single factory source.
- Factory-direct communication for model selection and quotation.
- Long-term production experience in copper telecom connector manufacturing.
- Bulk supply and distributor order support.
- Neutral packaging for qualified orders.
- OEM packaging and custom requirements by project discussion.
- RoHS and REACH documentation can be arranged for qualified orders.
Comparison
Model and connector comparison
| Model | Type | Wires / pairs | Wire range | Max insulation O.D. | Gel-filled | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U1B | Inline connector | Four-wire / 1 pair | 0.9-1.3 mm / 19-16 AWG | 3.18 mm | Yes | Larger gauge copper telephone wire full-pair inline splicing |
| U1R | Inline connector | Four-wire / 1 pair | 0.5-0.9 mm / 24-19 AWG | 3.18 mm | Yes | Smaller gauge copper telephone wire inline splicing |
| 101E | Four-wire inline / tap connector | 4-wire | 0.4-0.7 mm / 26-21 AWG | 1.4 mm | Yes | Four-wire telephone drop wire joints and tap-in requirements |
| UDW2 | Drop wire connector | Four-wire / 1 full pair | 0.9-1.3 mm / 19-16 AWG | 4.4 mm | Yes | Outdoor drop wire termination and repair |
| 557TG | Self-stripping aerial drop wire connector | 2-wire tap splice | 0.6-1.29 mm / about 22-16 AWG | about 3.0 mm | Yes | Aerial drop wire tap-off applications |
| Modular 10 Pair | Modular telecom connector | 10-pair | By sample or drawing | By sample or drawing | No; sealant box for moisture protection | Project-specific modular connector requirements |
| Super Mini Module | 25-pair modular splicing / test module | 25-pair | 0.32-0.65 mm / 28-22 AWG | 1.65 mm / 0.065 in | No; sealant box for moisture protection | Splicing Module with cut-off blades; Test Module without cut-off blades |
Specifications
Quotation checklist
| Quotation item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Product model | U1B, U1R, 101E, UDW2, 557TG, Modular 10 Pair, Super Mini Module, or related connector category |
| Wire specification | Conductor size, insulation diameter, solid copper or copper-clad steel requirement |
| Application | Inline joint, drop wire, tap splice, outdoor repair, or modular telecom connection |
| Packaging | Neutral packaging, bulk pack, bag, box, private label, or custom packaging |
| Compliance | RoHS and REACH documentation can be arranged for qualified orders |
Related products
Other Mintel connector categories
Jelly Crimp Connectors Gel-filled IDC splice connectors for copper telecom wire repair, with model-specific pages for UY, UY2, UR, and UR2 connectors. UB2A is included in the jelly crimp range. 
Picabond Connectors Modular crimp splice connectors and compatible crimping tools for multi-pair copper telecom cable work. 
Low Voltage Wire Splice Connectors 314-type IDC splice connectors with silicone grease sealing for selected no-stripping, solder-free low-voltage wiring applications. FAQ
Buyer questions
What is a telephone cable connector?
An IDC (insulation displacement contact) splice connector that joins solid copper telephone wires without stripping the insulation. Common names include jelly crimps, button clips, or gel-filled splices.
How to splice telephone wire?
Insert the solid copper wires into the connector slots until they bottom out, then crimp firmly with standard parallel-jaw or compound-action pliers. The IDC blades cut through the insulation and make the electrical contact. No stripping or soldering is required.
What types of telephone wire connectors are there?
Common types include inline connectors such as U1B, U1R, and 101E; drop wire connectors such as UDW2; self-stripping tap splice connectors such as 557TG; Super Mini Modules; jelly crimp connectors; Picabond-style crimp connectors; and 314-type low-voltage IDC splice connectors.
Which connector models does Mintel manufacture?
Mintel manufactures inline connectors including U1B, U1R, and 101E; drop wire connectors including UDW2; self-stripping tap splice connectors including 557TG; Super Mini Modules; jelly crimp connectors including UY, UY2, UR, UR2, and UB2A; Picabond-style connectors; and 314-type low-voltage IDC connectors.
What is the difference between U1B and U1R connectors?
U1B and U1R are both gel-filled full-pair inline connectors. U1B covers larger gauge copper wire from 0.9-1.3 mm / 19-16 AWG, while U1R covers smaller gauge wire from 0.5-0.9 mm / 24-19 AWG. Choose based on the wire size.
Are these telephone connectors waterproof?
Gel-filled connectors such as U1B, U1R, 101E, UDW2, and 557TG are moisture-resistant for suitable outdoor and underground splice points. Super Mini Modules are dry modules; sealant boxes provide moisture protection when required.
Can I send one inquiry covering several connector categories?
Yes. Include the model names, estimated quantities, wire specifications, packaging needs, and destination country so Mintel can review the requirement for factory-direct supply.
What should I include in an inquiry?
Please include model name, quantity, wire gauge, insulation diameter, application, packaging requirement, destination country, and any compliance documentation needed.
What are telephone cable connectors also called?
They may be called redheads, button clips, jelly crimps, gel-filled splices, or IDC splice connectors. Terminology varies by region and by existing product format.
Connect With Ease
Send your connector requirement
Share the model, estimated quantity, wire specification, packaging preference, and destination country. Mintel can review the requirement for factory direct supply.